How journaling for over a decade didn't change my life one bit

I've been journaling and writing in a notebook for over a decade, and I can confidently say it hasn't changed my life one bit.

But it has made my life easier. What I'm saying is that journaling and taking notes has not made me a millionaire, it hasn't gotten me a raise at work, or even helped with my habits. But it has done one thing that I am grateful for.

Journaling has helped with my mental health.

Taking notes and journaling helps with memory retention

I find that taking notes, while not all the time, but most of the time, helps me remember things better.

When I'm reading and I come across a wonderful quote or an idea sparks in my brain, I write it down immediately, so I don't forget it. And later in the day, or week, I've glanced over my notes and whatever I think is important I will re-read and remember it for future reference.

This simple trick of writing down a thought or idea, no matter if it's good or bad, can help with retention.

Writing is a cheaper than a therapist

It's a very affordable version of a therapist.

Whenever I'm lost or have too many thoughts or emotions going on in my head, I'll simply write everything down, get it out of my head and onto paper. Your journal is a wonderful friend that can listen to your every problem without judgment. And if you listen to what has been written, you can find closure and a way of fixing your problems.

And at the very least if you don't want to fix anything and just vent your frustrations, then writing in your journal is the next best thing to a $300-$600 psychiatric appointment.

Writing down goals and ambitions

I never write to-do lists, but I do write down ambitions and future aspirations.

When you have a journal, I use it for future goals, keeping myself in check, and using it as a guide. This can be done, over the years, when you look over your past aspirations, you can see what is important to you. What has changed and what has fallen to the wayside.

Knowing what you want and what you wanted from past entries is a wonderful frame of reference for yourself. You can see what is truly important to you, just by flicking back a few pages, or opening up old journals.

It's an amazing time machine that doesn't require any batteries, instructions, or science. Just good old archiving.

It doesn't matter what type of journal you write in

When it comes to choosing a journal all I can say on the matter is it's not what type or brand, all that matters is that you use it.

I have tried so many different types of journals over the years, from small to large, different formats, papers, companies, and qualities. Consistency isn't needed here, just accessibility. Having it on your person at all times is all that is needed for you to use it.

Why do you think you use your phone all the time? Because you always have it with you, do the same thing with your journal, carry it with you wherever you go.

I'm not richer but I am happier thank to journaling

So journaling hasn't changed my life, I'm not a CEO all of a sudden for journaling over the decades, I'm not any richer or better off socially. But I am happier.

I'm more content, I'm grateful for what I have in my life, and who is in my life. And I appreciate the small things, the little things, the simple things in my life much more. Writing in a journal with a good old-fashioned fountain pen has opened up my mind.

I've learned and retained so many things, and forgotten so many more. But at the very least, if I want to remember them, they are just a notebook away, and a simple turning back of the page to see who I used to be, and to realize who I have become.

Who knows, maybe you will decide to step away from the screens someday and write a little thought down in a little notebook you keep in your back pocket.

Having memories that will last longer than a lifetime

Having something that will last a lifetime, and will never be deleted or lost or become obsolete. There is something so timeless about writing on paper. It's a traditional medium for a reason.

Someday you will come to the same realization as me, that a loved one will one day pick up and read your journals when you are no longer around, and they will find that one thing about you…

Life is good, and I'm glad I got to be a part of it.